Iowa City Civil Service Commission certifies entry firefighter testing process

The Iowa City Civil Service Commission convened on April 21, 2025, to discuss the entry firefighter testing process, a critical step in maintaining the city's fire department staffing levels. With a quorum present, the meeting focused on refining the recruitment strategy to ensure effective hiring amid anticipated retirements within the department.

The commission outlined a recruitment process similar to that used in 2022, which had proven successful. The testing will utilize physical fitness standards aligned with those for police officers, moving away from the previously used Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). This change aims to simplify the testing process, making it more accessible for candidates who can prepare without needing specialized equipment or extensive travel.

Applications will be accepted for three to four weeks, with candidates given the option to take the written test either online or in person. The physical fitness test will occur on the same day as the written exam, followed by interviews for those who pass both assessments. The commission emphasized its commitment to interviewing all candidates who meet the testing criteria, which could lead to a significant number of interviews depending on applicant turnout.

Currently, there is one open position in the fire department, but the department anticipates a wave of retirements, necessitating a robust candidate list for future hiring. The commission noted that the previous testing cycle had yielded a list of 11 candidates, with 9 or 10 successfully hired, indicating a strong selection process.

Concerns regarding the impact of the new physical agility testing on probationary officers were addressed, with officials reporting no adverse effects on candidates' abilities to perform their duties. The fire chief retains the discretion to select candidates from the certified list, typically opting to hire in rank order unless compelling reasons suggest otherwise.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to certify the firefighter entry-level testing process, paving the way for the recruitment of new firefighters. As the city prepares for upcoming retirements, this streamlined approach aims to ensure that the fire department remains adequately staffed and capable of meeting community needs.